Elrigh Louw returns as Bulls change eight for Champions Cup clash against Saints

The Springbok star's inclusion is one of several key changes up front, with Wilco Louw, Jan-Hendrik Wessels, and Deon Slabbert all returning to the fold as well. Wessels makes his comeback after recovering from an ankle injury, while Slabbert is set for his first appearance in Bulls colours since rejoining the team on loan. Wilco Louw slots in at loosehead prop, joining Gerhard Steenekamp and hooker Akker van der Merwe in the front row.

The second row features the familiar pairing of Ruan Vermaak and Junior Springbok JF van Heerden. Captain Louw starts at flank alongside Marcell Coetzee, with Springbok Cameron Hanekom rounding out the pack at No 8.

Director of Rugby Jake White has kept faith in the backline from the opening round. Willie le Roux retains the No 15 jersey at fullback, with Canan Moodie and David Kriel at centre. Sebastian de Klerk and Devon Williams continue on the wings.

Changes to the matchday squad include new additions to the bench, with Kuyenzeka Xaba, Zak Burger, Boeta Chamberlain, and Stedman Gans all set to make an impact. Forwards Alulutho Tshakweni and Francois Klopper round out the replacements in a five-three split.

"Marco [van Staden] has had to go for an ankle repair, Mpilo [Gumede] is still serving his suspension and Nizaam [Carr] had his appendicitis removed," White said in discussing some of the absences from the side.

"They [Saints] beat us last year, and they beat us fair and square. They have five international backs and the other backs are just as dangerous, and they were there when they carved us to pieces last year.

"What I am looking forward to is to see if they can play their way at altitude with the heat and travel, and if they do, then hats off to them. If they can come to Loftus and run like they like to run, play like they want to play and can play, and beat us here; then you have got to say that they are a good team.

"Our progression in the tournament is not necessarily pinned on tomorrow's results but every Saturday is a must-win for us. Even if you are playing a friendly or pre-season, that's the club we represent."

Bulls team - 15 Willie le Roux, 14 Sebastian de Klerk, 13 Canan Moodie, 12 David Kriel, 11 Devon Williams, 10 Johan Goosen, 9 Embrose Papier, 8 Cameron Hanekom, 7 Elrigh Louw (c), 6 Marcell Coetzee, 5 JF van Heerden, 4 Ruan Vermaak, 3 Wilco Louw, 2 Akker van der Merwe, 1 Gerhard Steenekamp.

Replacements: 16 Jan-hendrik Wessels, 17 Alulutho Tshakweni, 18 Francois Klopper, 19 Deon Slabbert, 20 Kuyenzeka Nama Xaba, 21 Zak Burger, 22 Boeta Chamberlain, 23 Stedman Gans.

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